AX-3 Domaines, France: Christophe Riblon took the first Pyrenees stage of the Tour de France on Sunday, leading the field from the first few kilometers to a solo victory high in the mountains. Andy Schleck held on to the leader's yellow jersey in a stage that failed to separate the major contenders.
It was the first Tour de France victory for the 29-year-old Frenchman and the biggest of his career to date.
"I've been a professional for 5½ years and I've been waiting for this for 5½ years," Riblon said.
He broke away in a small group in the first 30 kilometers of the race, but slipped away from the last of that group on the major climb of the day, the Port de Pailheres. He held his lead over the top and down the long descent before the climb up to the ski resort of Ax-3 Domaines.
"My aim was to arrive at the bottom with as much time as possible without losing all my strength. Then I did a good climb," Riblon said.
He finished in 4 hours, 52 minutes, 42 seconds — 54 seconds ahead of Denis Menchov of Russia and Samuel Sanchez of Spain.
It was the fourth French win of the Tour de France this year — after two by Sylvain Chavanel and one from Sandy Casar — and it delighted the crowd, who in past years have struggled to find home success to celebrate.
Schleck finished fourth at 1:08, in a group that also included his closest rival, defending champion Alberto Contador of Spain. The pair stuck together throughout the 184.5-kilometer 14th stage from Revel.
Schleck said he hadn't dared overtake Contador for fear that the Spaniard would launch a late attack and go past him.
"I feel really good, and if he wants to get me tomorrow, he has to be really good," Schleck added.
Schleck holds the yellow jersey of overall leader by 31 seconds from Contador, with Sanchez now 2:31 back. Menchov is fourth at 2:44.
Monday's 15th stage is the second in the Pyrenees and takes the riders 187.5 kilometers from Pamiers to Bagneres-de-Luchon, over the major climb of Port de Bales before descending to finish on the flat.
Comments
0 comment